Epistle to Yemen

The Epistle to Yemen[1] or Yemen Epistle (Hebrew: אגרת תימן Iggeret Teman, Arabic: رسالة بولس الرسول اليمن‎) was an important communication written by Maimonides and sent to the Yemenite Jews. It is estimated to have been written in 1172.[2]

It arose because of religious persecution and heresy in 12th-century Yemen. The average Jewish population of Yemen for many centuries was very small. The Jews were scattered throughout the country, but they were successful in business and acquired books about the history of their faith.

Maimonides replied in an epistle written in Arabic that was later translated into Hebrew by Nahum Ma'arabi.[4] This letter made a tremendous impression on Yemenite Jewry, and effectively stopped the new religious movement. It also served as a source of strength, consolation and support for the faith in the continuing persecution.

Maimonides interceded with Saladin in Egypt, and shortly thereafter the persecution came to an end.